Subsurface imaged labels and tags using thermal transfer ribbon carrier as overlaminate and method of manufacture

Abstract

A subsurfaced imaged label using a PET thermal transfer ribbon carrier as an overlaminate. A reverse image is printed onto a waste medium. The waste medium and inked reverse image are stripped away. The desired image remains on the PET carrier of the thermal transfer ink ribbon. A pressure sensitive adhesive substrate is laminated onto the carrier on the same side as the ink image. Label stock and another layer of pressure sensitive adhesive is then layered on the ink side of the PET carrier. When the label is applied to a surface the ink image is under the PET carrier and is protected by the PET carrier.

Description

[0001]This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application 60 / 504,423 entitled Subsurface Imaged labels and Tags Using Thermal Transfer Ribbon Carrier as Overlaminate and Method of Manufacture, filed Sep. 18, 2003.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0002]1. Field of the Invention[0003]The present invention relates to a durable thermal transfer image. Specifically, it relates to a subsurface imaged thermal transfer label and a method of manufacture.[0004]2. Brief Description of Related Art[0005]Thermal transfer printing traditionally involves variably boding ink from a thin PET carrier (ink, carrier, and release coating comprising a ribbon) to a substrate. A positive image is printed on a substrate. The PET carrier is then stripped away from the substrate, removing the ink from all areas that have not been bonded via heat and pressure. While the printed image is fairly durable, it is subject to attack from abrasion and chemicals, particularly solvents similar to the ones used ...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0011]This invention significantly changes the use of thermal transfer technology. The thermal transfer ribbon is imaged onto a waste medium rather than onto the target substrate. The waste media and ink is stripped away leaving the desired image on the PET carrier. The carrier, with the desired image remaining, is then laminated onto a pressure sensitive adhesive substrate, creating the finished product. The image is protected from environmental attack by the thin PET film used as the carrier for the thermal transfer ink. This method enables creation of a sub-surface printed image (with corresponding durability) without adding a secondary laminating and diecutting step, without adding the cost of a laminate film, and without the need for an expensive thermal transfer topcoated film. This invention provides a simple and low cost method for producing protected images that will readily endure abrasion and chemical attack.

[0012]This invention creates a new use of the thermal transfer ribbon both in print method and film usage, creating a protected image with minimal cost and complexity. This invention provides an inexpensive label for use in challenging conditions. Additional cost savings are realized by the use of inexpensive wax ribbons. Durable thermal transfer printing applications typically require an expensive, resin based ribbon to achieve good levels of durability.

[0013]This system for creating a PET protected image can use a less expensive wax based ribbon. This process is on-demand, increasing throughput and reducing the amount of human intervention required in creating sub-surface printed or overlaminated labels and tags. The PET carrier is also chemically coated in order to reduce friction with the printhead; these coatings can also help repel chemical attack.

[0015]With the inventive process, negative images of the desired indicia are transferred to a waste substrate, leaving only the desired image on the ribbon carrier. The ribbon carrier is then laminated to a pressure sensitive adhesive label stock, creating a sub-surface printed label. The surface layer of PET protects the image from abrasion, chemical attack, and other environmental conditions that degrade standard thermal transfer images. The finished label can then be cut in some manner, such as by an automated cutter located after the laminating point. An automated cutter can be indexed via a sensor mark image created on the ribbon in the same manner as the other indicia. A cut through the liner (such as a linear slit) would allow easy removal of the liner.

Problems solved by technology

While the printed image is fairly durable, it is subject to attach from abrasion and chemicals, particularly solvents similar to the ones used to coat the ink on the PET carrier.

Durable thermal transfer printing applications typically require an expensive, resin based ribbon to achieve good levels of durability.

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